Indiana enters the 2026 college football season facing a challenge few programs have ever experienced: attempting to defend a national championship after completing a perfect season.

The Hoosiers finished 2025 with a 16-0 record, won the Big Ten championship and defeated Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Indiana averaged 41.6 points and 452 yards of total offense per game while producing 666 points, 3,826 passing yards and 3,406 rushing yards. The Hoosiers also averaged 6.8 yards per offensive play and scored 87 offensive touchdowns.

Maintaining that extraordinary production will require Indiana to replace several of the most important players in program history.

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black and center Pat Coogan are no longer part of the offense. Their departures remove the starting quarterback, leading receivers, primary running backs and offensive-line leader from a national championship team.

Head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan responded by adding experienced transfer quarterback Josh Hoover, Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh, Boston College running back Turbo Richard and Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Brunner. Shanahan remains Indiana’s offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, while Tino Sunseri serves as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Bob Bostad continues to oversee the offensive line and running game.

Indiana will not attempt to completely reinvent its offense. The Hoosiers should continue using formations, motion, play-action passing and a balanced running game to create favorable matchups.

The difference is that the identity of the offense may shift slightly.

Hoover is a more experienced volume passer than Mendoza was when he arrived in Bloomington. Indiana also possesses one of the country’s most physically impressive receiving groups and returns four offensive linemen with starting experience. The Hoosiers may be able to attack more aggressively downfield, provided Hoover protects the football and the new offensive pieces quickly develop chemistry.

Projected 2026 Indiana Starting Offense

Quarterback: Josh Hoover Running Back: Turbo Richard Wide Receiver: Nick Marsh Wide Receiver: Charlie Becker Slot Receiver: Tyler Morris Tight End: Andrew Barker Left Tackle: Carter Smith Left Guard: Drew Evans Center: Bray Lynch Right Guard: Joe Brunner Right Tackle: Adedamola Ajani

This projected lineup is based on Indiana’s spring practices, returning experience, transfer additions and available preseason depth-chart information. The competition at running back, tight end and across the interior offensive line could continue throughout fall camp. Indiana’s official athletics website was still listing a spring roster rather than a finalized Week 1 depth chart entering August.

Quarterback

Josh Hoover

Height: 6’2” Weight: 200 pounds Class: Redshirt senior Hometown: Heath, Texas Previous School: TCU

Josh Hoover enters the season as the clear favorite to become Indiana’s starting quarterback.

Hoover appeared in 35 games and made 31 starts during four seasons at TCU. He completed 65.2% of his career passes for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns. Hoover left TCU ranked among the program’s career leaders in completions, passing yards, touchdown passes and total offense.

During the 2025 season, Hoover completed 272 of 413 passes for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He produced five 300-yard games and threw at least four touchdown passes four times.

Strengths

Hoover’s greatest strength is his experience.

He has already handled more than 1,100 college passing attempts and has started games against high-level Big 12 competition. Hoover understands how to identify coverages, adjust protections and distribute the ball across the field.

His arm talent should allow Indiana to attack vertically. Hoover has completed passes into tight windows, demonstrated the ability to throw effectively between the numbers and produced 16 career 300-yard passing games.

He is especially dangerous when operating from a clean pocket. Indiana’s receiving talent should give him favorable one-on-one matchups, while Shanahan’s system should create defined reads through motion and play action.

Hoover also brings leadership experience after serving as a two-time team captain at TCU.

Weaknesses

Turnovers are the primary concern.

Hoover threw 13 interceptions during the 2025 season and 33 over his TCU career. His confidence in his arm occasionally causes him to challenge defenders who are in position to make plays.

He must become more willing to take checkdowns, throw the ball away or accept a short gain rather than attempting a difficult completion.

Hoover is also not the same type of dynamic rushing threat Indiana possessed with Mendoza. He can move within the pocket and gain yards when space develops, but defenses are unlikely to build their game plans around stopping him as a designed runner.

Indiana will need to determine how much of its quarterback-running package should remain in the offense.

Professional Future

Hoover enters the season as a legitimate NFL prospect because of his experience, arm strength, production and command of a passing offense.

His evaluation will depend heavily on turnovers. A season in which Hoover approaches 30 touchdown passes while reducing his interception total could move him into the middle or later rounds of the NFL Draft.

If the turnover problems continue, he may project as an undrafted free agent, rookie-camp participant or UFL quarterback. His extensive starting experience should give him opportunities to continue playing professionally.

Grant Wilson

Old Dominion transfer Grant Wilson is the projected backup.

The 6’3”, 218-pound graduate quarterback gives Indiana an experienced alternative behind Hoover. Wilson’s mobility provides a different style and could allow the coaching staff to retain more designed quarterback runs if he is forced into action.

Redshirt freshmen Tyler Cherry and Jacob Bell remain developmental options. Cherry possesses excellent size at 6’5” and 220 pounds, while Bell impressed observers during spring practice. Both could eventually challenge Wilson for the second position.

Running Back

Turbo Richard

Height: 5’9” Weight: 204 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina Previous School: Boston College

Hanovii “Turbo” Richard is projected to receive the first opportunity to lead Indiana’s backfield, although he will likely share significant playing time with Khobie Martin.

Richard started 11 games for Boston College in 2025 and rushed for 749 yards and nine touchdowns on 145 carries. He also caught 30 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 962 yards from scrimmage and 11 total scores.

He recorded three 100-yard rushing games and produced four games with multiple touchdowns.

Strengths

Richard brings speed, acceleration and receiving ability.

He is at his best when he can make one decisive cut and accelerate through the opening. Richard ran track in high school and won a regional championship in the 100-meter dash, and that background is visible when he reaches the second level.

He can also contribute as a receiver. Richard is comfortable catching checkdowns, screens and designed routes from the backfield. His ability to remain on the field in passing situations should make him valuable to Hoover.

Richard’s lower-body strength allows him to run through arm tackles despite being shorter than many Big Ten running backs.

Weaknesses

Richard has not yet carried the ball more than 145 times in a college season. Indiana must determine whether he can maintain his explosiveness while handling a championship-level schedule.

Durability is another consideration. He missed time during each of his first two college seasons, including one game in 2025.

Richard must also become completely dependable in pass protection. Indiana’s offense will frequently ask its running backs to recognize pressure and protect Hoover long enough for deeper routes to develop.

Professional Future

Richard’s speed and receiving ability give him a possible professional future.

His size could prevent him from being viewed as an every-down NFL running back, but he could attract interest as a change-of-pace player, receiving back or special-teams contributor.

A productive season could earn Richard an NFL rookie-camp invitation or undrafted-free-agent contract. His athletic ability would also make him a strong candidate for the UFL.

Khobie Martin

Height: 6’0”Weight: 204 pounds Class: Redshirt sophomore Hometown: Fishers, Indiana

Khobie Martin gives Indiana a proven and explosive second option.

Martin rushed for 506 yards and six touchdowns on 77 carries during the 2025 season. He averaged approximately 6.6 yards per attempt and recorded consecutive 100-yard games against Indiana State and Illinois.

His production was especially impressive because many of his opportunities came during the second half of games or after Indiana had established a significant lead.

Strengths

Martin runs with excellent vision and patience.

He allows blocks to develop before accelerating through the opening. Once he reaches the second level, Martin has enough speed to produce explosive runs.

He also demonstrated that he can perform against Big Ten competition. His 107-yard, two-touchdown performance against Illinois showed that his production was not limited to overmatched nonconference opponents.

Weaknesses

Martin has limited experience as a receiver and pass protector.

He caught only one documented pass during the 2025 season and must demonstrate that he can contribute in obvious passing situations.

His production came on a relatively limited workload. Defenses will have more film and preparation time if Martin becomes a major part of the weekly game plan.

Professional Future

Martin possesses the size, efficiency and acceleration needed to become a future professional prospect.

He is unlikely to pursue professional opportunities immediately after 2026, but he could significantly improve his long-term evaluation by becoming a complete three-down running back.

Running-Back Depth

Lee Beebe Jr. provides another experienced option if he successfully returns from the non-contact injury that ended his 2025 season.

Beebe has accumulated 1,485 career rushing yards, 324 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns. His experience and physical running style could make him Indiana’s third back.

Redshirt freshman Sean Cuono and freshman Jayreon Campbell provide developmental depth. Campbell’s 205-pound build could eventually make him a physical short-yardage option.

Wide Receivers

Indiana may possess one of the deepest and most physically talented receiving groups in college football.

Nick Marsh gives the Hoosiers a proven Big Ten receiver with professional size. Charlie Becker emerged during Indiana’s championship run, while Tyler Morris returns after missing the 2025 season.

Shazz Preston, Davion Chandler and Lebron Bond give the Hoosiers talented reserves capable of earning meaningful snaps.

Nick Marsh

Height: 6’3” Weight: 213 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: Detroit, Michigan Previous School: Michigan State

Nick Marsh arrives as one of the most important additions to Indiana’s offense.

Marsh caught 100 passes for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns during two seasons at Michigan State. He started 20 games, recorded at least one reception in all 23 appearances and earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten recognition in 2025.

He set Michigan State true-freshman records with 41 receptions and 649 yards in 2024. Marsh entered the 2026 season with preseason All-America recognition from multiple publications.

Strengths

Marsh possesses the size and strength needed to defeat physical coverage.

He can shield defensive backs from the football, win contested catches and remain effective in the middle of the field. His catch radius gives Hoover a larger margin for error when throwing against tight coverage.

Marsh is also more than a possession receiver. He has enough acceleration to threaten defenses vertically and can produce yards after the catch when he receives the ball in stride.

His experience against Big Ten defenses should reduce the adjustment period that many transfers experience.

Weaknesses

Marsh has produced only two career 100-yard receiving games despite his consistent production.

He must demonstrate that he can become the unquestioned leading receiver in a championship offense rather than simply a dependable starter.

Marsh can also continue improving his separation against faster cornerbacks. He frequently wins with size and physicality, but NFL evaluators will want to see him consistently create space before the catch.

Professional Future

Marsh possesses the strongest professional combination of size, production and athletic ability among Indiana’s receivers.

A productive 2026 season could place him among the top receivers eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft. His ability to play outside, work through contact and win in the red zone should translate well to professional football.

Charlie Becker

Height: 6’4” Weight: 207 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Charlie Becker became one of the breakout stars of Indiana’s national championship run.

Becker caught 34 passes for 677 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. He averaged nearly 20 yards per reception and produced three 100-yard games.

His most important performances came late in the season. Becker recorded 118 yards against Penn State, 108 yards against Wisconsin and 126 yards in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State. He added touchdown receptions against Alabama and Oregon during the College Football Playoff.

Strengths

Becker provides outstanding height, length and vertical ability.

He tracks the ball naturally and can make catches over defensive backs without losing speed. His background as a state-champion hurdler is evident in his coordination and body control.

Becker also demonstrated that he can produce in important situations. Twenty-nine of his 34 receptions in 2025 resulted in either a first down or touchdown.

His blocking and special-teams experience should keep him on the field even when he is not receiving targets.

Weaknesses

Becker must prove that his late-season emergence can be sustained over an entire season.

Opponents will study how Indiana created favorable matchups for him and may use more physical coverage or safety assistance.

He can also improve his route precision on shorter and intermediate patterns. Becoming more than a vertical and contested-catch target would make him significantly more difficult to defend.

Professional Future

Becker has NFL-caliber size and demonstrated big-play ability against elite competition.

Another productive season could move him into draft consideration. His height, special-teams experience and willingness to block should increase his value even if he does not immediately project as a high-volume professional receiver.

Tyler Morris

Height: 5’11” Weight: 186 pounds Class: Redshirt senior Hometown: Bolingbrook, Illinois Previous School: Michigan

Tyler Morris is projected to become Indiana’s primary slot receiver after missing the entire 2025 season because of injury.

Morris previously appeared in 34 games and made 14 starts for Michigan. He caught 23 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns during the 2024 season and contributed to Michigan’s 2023 national championship.

He returned to full participation during Indiana’s 2026 spring practices.

Strengths

Morris is an experienced and polished route runner.

He understands how to find openings against zone coverage and can create separation through leverage rather than relying exclusively on speed.

His experience returning punts gives Indiana another option on special teams. Morris can also be used on screens, motion plays and quick passes designed to produce yards after the catch.

Weaknesses

Health is the obvious concern.

Morris missed all of 2025 and has dealt with injuries at multiple stages of his career. Indiana must manage his workload and determine whether he has regained his previous acceleration.

He has also never recorded a 300-yard receiving season in college. The talent is present, but Morris must convert his experience into consistent production.

Professional Future

Morris could earn NFL or UFL consideration as a slot receiver and return specialist.

His route-running ability and championship experience are valuable, but he needs a healthy and productive season to improve his professional résumé.

Additional Receivers

Shazz Preston may be Indiana’s most intriguing reserve. The 6’0”, 205-pound receiver began his career as a highly regarded recruit at Alabama before transferring to Tulane and then Indiana.

Davion Chandler impressed during spring practice and could become the first receiver off the bench. His quickness and familiarity with the program give him breakout potential.

Lebron Bond gives Indiana another smaller, explosive option who can contribute from the slot or on special teams.

Freshman Kortez Rupert offers long-term potential but may need time to add strength before earning a consistent role.

Tight End

Andrew Barker

Height: 6’4” Weight: 250 pounds Class: Redshirt freshman Hometown: Kokomo, Indiana

Andrew Barker enters fall camp as a slight favorite to start at tight end.

Barker appeared in one game during his freshman season and did not record a reception. He started the 2026 spring game and possesses the size to contribute as an in-line blocker.

The competition remains open because every tight end on Indiana’s roster is either a true or redshirt freshman.

Strengths

Barker has developed into a legitimate 250-pound tight end and should be capable of helping Indiana’s running game.

His high school experience on offense, defense and special teams demonstrates his physicality and versatility.

He also presents a useful target in the short passing game. Barker’s size could make him effective on play-action passes, checkdowns and routes near the goal line.

Weaknesses

Barker is extremely inexperienced.

He has appeared in only one college game and has not recorded a reception. Blocking Big Ten defensive ends will represent a significant adjustment.

Indiana cannot assume that Barker will immediately replace the blocking, route-running and communication provided by the program’s veteran tight ends from previous seasons.

Professional Future

Barker is a developmental player rather than an immediate professional prospect.

His size gives him a foundation, but he must establish himself as a dependable blocker and receiving threat before professional opportunities become realistic.

Brock Schott

Miami transfer Brock Schott could eventually win the starting position.

Schott was a four-star recruit and one of Indiana’s highest-rated high school tight ends. He caught two passes for 24 yards during limited action at Miami in 2025 before transferring to Indiana.

The 6’3”, 241-pound Schott possesses impressive athleticism and was also a dominant high school defensive player, producing 41 career sacks. An injury prevented him from participating fully during spring practice, but he should receive a significant opportunity during fall camp.

Blake Thiry and incoming freshman Parker Elmore provide additional depth.

Offensive Line

Indiana’s offensive line possesses the talent to remain one of the best units in the Big Ten.

Carter Smith is one of the country’s premier offensive tackles. Drew Evans and Bray Lynch return after starting on the national championship team, while Wisconsin transfer Joe Brunner adds 24 career starts.

The greatest questions involve the center position and right tackle.

Left Tackle: Carter Smith

Height: 6’5” Weight: 313 pounds Class: Redshirt senior

Carter Smith is the most accomplished player in Indiana’s offense.

Smith has appeared in 43 games and made 41 consecutive starts at left tackle. He started all 16 games during the 2025 championship season and became the first Indiana player to win the Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award.

He was a consensus All-American, an Outland Trophy finalist and a major reason Indiana recorded six 300-yard rushing games.

Strengths

Smith combines size, balance, power and experience.

He handles speed rushers without frequently overextending and possesses enough strength to absorb power moves. In the running game, he can create movement at the point of attack or reach defenders in space.

Smith also brings exceptional continuity. His experience within Bostad’s system allows Indiana to build protections and running concepts around the left side of the line.

Weaknesses

Smith underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum and missed spring practice. Indiana expects him to be available for fall camp, but his recovery must be monitored.

There are few significant weaknesses in his college performance. Continuing to improve his hand placement and consistency against elite speed-to-power rushers would strengthen his professional evaluation.

Professional Future

Smith enters the season as Indiana’s best NFL prospect.

He possesses the size, starting experience, production and awards needed to become an early-round selection. A healthy season could establish him as one of the top offensive tackles available in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Left Guard: Drew Evans

Height: 6’4” Weight: 307 pounds Class: Redshirt senior

Drew Evans is projected to return at left guard after making 12 starts there during the 2025 season.

Every one of Evans’ 21 career appearances has been a start. He missed four games because of injury in 2025 but returned for Indiana’s postseason run and helped the Hoosiers defeat Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon and Miami.

Evans plays with good leverage and understands Indiana’s blocking system. His experience next to Smith gives the Hoosiers continuity on the left side.

Durability is the primary concern after injuries interrupted each of his previous two seasons.

Evans projects as a possible NFL priority free agent or UFL starter. A healthy season could move him into late-round consideration.

Center: Bray Lynch

Height: 6’5” Weight: 298 pounds Class: Redshirt senior

Bray Lynch is projected to move from right guard to center.

Lynch has appeared in 38 games and made 29 starts. He started all 16 games at right guard in 2025 and helped Indiana produce a program-record six 300-yard rushing performances.

Lynch has the size and experience to handle the physical demands of center. His greatest challenge will involve communication, identifying defensive fronts and consistently delivering accurate snaps.

He took limited game snaps at center in 2025, making the transition one of Indiana’s most important preseason storylines.

If Lynch handles the mental responsibilities of the position, Indiana’s interior line could become one of the strongest in the Big Ten.

His size, versatility and starting experience could earn NFL or UFL consideration.

Right Guard: Joe Brunner

Height: 6’7” Weight: 313 pounds Class: Redshirt senior Previous School: Wisconsin

Joe Brunner gives Indiana another proven Big Ten offensive lineman.

Brunner appeared in 39 games and made 24 starts at Wisconsin. All 24 starts came at left guard, although Indiana’s personnel may require him to move to the right side.

He started 12 games in 2025 and did not allow a sack across 316 pass-protection opportunities, according to Pro Football Focus. He also committed only one penalty in 694 snaps.

Brunner’s length and pass-protection experience should help Indiana. He understands Bostad’s coaching style from their shared Wisconsin background and should require less adjustment than the average transfer.

His height can occasionally make it difficult to maintain ideal leverage against shorter defensive tackles. He must consistently bend at the knees rather than allowing defenders to get underneath his pads.

Brunner has a realistic opportunity to earn NFL consideration as a late-round selection or priority free agent.

Right Tackle: Adedamola Ajani

Height: 6’4” Weight: 308 pounds Class: Redshirt sophomore Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Adedamola Ajani is projected to become Indiana’s starting right tackle.

Ajani appeared in 12 games and made four starts during the 2025 season. He started three games at left guard and one at right tackle, demonstrating the versatility Indiana values.

He also played important snaps at right tackle against Alabama and Miami during the College Football Playoff.

Ajani possesses good length, physicality and movement skills. His ability to play both guard and tackle gives Indiana flexibility if injuries force the coaching staff to rearrange the line.

The primary concern is experience. Ajani has never entered a season as a full-time starter and must prove that he can consistently handle elite Big Ten edge defenders.

Ajani has significant long-term professional potential. Another year of development could place him among Indiana’s most intriguing future NFL prospects.

Offensive-Line Depth

Austin Leibfried may be the most important reserve because of his ability to play center and both guard positions.

Baylor Wilkin is the primary backup at tackle and received valuable first-team repetitions while Smith recovered from shoulder surgery.

Freshmen Ben Novak and Kenton Mondeau give Indiana developmental size at tackle, while Matt Marek and Sam Simpson provide additional interior depth.

Indiana’s top six or seven offensive linemen appear strong. The concern is whether the Hoosiers can survive multiple injuries without experiencing a significant decline.

Strengths of the Indiana Offense

Quarterback Experience

Hoover has thrown for more than 9,600 career yards and has started 31 games. Indiana is not asking an inexperienced quarterback to replace Mendoza.

Elite Receiving Talent

Marsh, Becker and Morris provide size, route-running ability and championship experience. Marsh and Becker can win outside, while Morris gives Hoover a dependable slot option.

Offensive-Line Talent

Smith is one of the best tackles in the country. Evans, Lynch and Brunner have extensive starting experience, while Ajani has already played important postseason snaps.

Backfield Versatility

Richard provides speed and receiving ability, while Martin brings vision and explosive production. Beebe could give the Hoosiers a third experienced option.

Proven Coaching System

Cignetti, Shanahan, Sunseri and Bostad have established an offensive identity that has produced consecutive seasons averaging more than 41 points per game. Indiana’s scheme consistently creates favorable matchups through preparation, motion and balance.

Weaknesses of the Indiana Offense

Turnover Potential

Hoover threw 13 interceptions in 2025 and led the Big 12 in that category. Indiana’s championship formula depends on limiting negative plays and protecting the football.

Tight-End Inexperience

Indiana does not have a tight end with meaningful college production. The position may require several players to divide blocking and receiving responsibilities.

Health Questions

Morris missed the entire 2025 season. Smith underwent shoulder surgery, Evans has missed time during consecutive seasons and Beebe is returning from a major injury.

Interior-Line Transition

Indiana must replace Coogan’s communication at center. Whether Lynch or Evans handles the position, the Hoosiers will have a first-year starting center directing protections.

Replacing Historic Production

Hoover does not merely have to replace a productive quarterback. He is following a Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a national championship.

The offense must also replace its leading receivers and top two running backs. Talent is present, but immediate chemistry is not guaranteed.

Championship Expectations

Indiana is no longer an unexpected contender. Every opponent will view the defending national champions as one of the most important games on its schedule.

Professional Prospects

Strongest 2027 Candidates

Carter Smith: Potential early-round NFL offensive tackle and one of the country’s most accomplished returning linemen.

Nick Marsh: Draftable outside receiver with professional size, Big Ten production and contested-catch ability.

Josh Hoover: Experienced quarterback who could become a middle- or late-round prospect by reducing his interceptions.

Charlie Becker: Athletic, 6’4” receiver with big-play production and special-teams experience.

Joe Brunner: Veteran interior lineman with excellent pass-protection numbers and extensive Big Ten experience.

Additional Candidates

Turbo Richard: Potential NFL undrafted free agent, receiving back or UFL offensive playmaker.

Drew Evans: Experienced guard with the opportunity to earn NFL camp or UFL consideration if he remains healthy.

Bray Lynch: Versatile interior lineman whose ability to play center could improve his professional value.

Tyler Morris: Possible slot receiver and return specialist whose future depends on health and production.

Adedamola Ajani: Developmental tackle with the physical tools to become a stronger future NFL prospect.

Final Outlook

Indiana’s 2026 offense has enough talent to remain one of the best units in the Big Ten.

Josh Hoover gives the Hoosiers an experienced quarterback who has already produced multiple 3,000-yard passing seasons. Nick Marsh adds professional size and proven Big Ten production, while Charlie Becker could emerge as one of the country’s most dangerous vertical receivers.

Turbo Richard and Khobie Martin should give Indiana a versatile running-back combination. Richard provides speed and receiving ability, while Martin demonstrated that he can create explosive plays behind Indiana’s offensive line.

The line remains the foundation of the offense.

Carter Smith is an elite left tackle, and Indiana returns experienced starters Drew Evans and Bray Lynch. Joe Brunner strengthens the interior, while Adedamola Ajani possesses the talent to stabilize right tackle.

The determining factors will be turnovers, tight-end development and health.

If Hoover protects the football, Indiana identifies a dependable tight end and the offensive line remains healthy, the Hoosiers should once again possess a balanced offense capable of competing for the Big Ten championship and returning to the College Football Playoff.

However, frequent interceptions, injuries or problems replacing Coogan’s leadership at center could make the offense less consistent than the record-setting 2025 unit.

Indiana may not average more than 41 points per game for a third consecutive season, but the Hoosiers do not need to duplicate every record from their national championship run to remain elite.

With Hoover directing an experienced passing attack, Marsh and Becker creating mismatches and Smith anchoring another talented offensive line, Indiana enters 2026 with the personnel, coaching and championship confidence needed to remain among college football’s most dangerous offensive teams.